PNoy didn't violate poll rules: Comelec

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - While critics may describe President Aquino's speech in Cebu yesterday as a form of early campaigning, the chairman of the Commission on Elections believes the President didn't violate any rules.

"Wala ho talaga. Yan ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema. Wala ho tayong premature campaigning ngayon. There are no candidates. Ang essence ng campaign is asking for votes to a particular candidate. Wala pa pong kandidato ngayon. You only become a candidate under the automation law during the election period," Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said in a radio dzMM interview.

President Aquino on Wednesday made an appearance with some of the Liberal Party-coalition candidates in the vote-rich province of Cebu ahead of the official start of the campaign period.

The President made a pitch for his Senate bets, saying that he needs them to continue the reforms that he has started.